Lebanon

A Hospitable People With Needs of Their Own

Lebanon, once prosperous, was hobbled by a 15-year civil war that cut its national output in half. After the war ended in 1990, Lebanon rebuilt much of its infrastructure, but political instability continued to take a heavy toll through 2008. A period of relative stability and a subsequent revival in tourism helped the country grow economically, and unemployment is a low 6.4%. Still, hundreds of thousands of Lebanese people are unable to meet their basic needs — about 27% live below the national poverty line.

The north of Lebanon has been most severely strained by an influx of refugees crossing the border from Syria due to the ongoing crisis there. 1.5 million Syrian refugees have now been registered in Lebanon—a country whose own population does not exceed 4.4. million. In a country already suffering from weak infrastructure, the high percentage of refugees greatly affects both the economic and social climate.

With all this considered, one thing remains clear: The people of Lebanon are resilient and, with the support of donors like you, families in need there can access opportunities to break the chains of poverty and move toward success.

Islamic Relief’s Dedication to Lebanon

Islamic Relief has been working in Lebanon since 2006 in response to a humanitarian crisis caused by war. We then focused on reconstruction efforts like hospital rehabilitation and water facility repairs. Islamic Relief Lebanon opened to continue long-term efforts.

Here’s just a sampling of recent efforts for families in need across Lebanon

Our reach across Lebanon, 2017-2019

158,000+ PEOPLE SERVED

12 PROJECTS IMPLEMENTED

We Need YOUR Help

As much as we’ve been able to accomplish, there is still so much more to do. If we work together—with YOU—we can make the vision of a better Lebanon a reality for so many more of our sisters and brothers in need.

$1,000 can help build innovative water and sanitation facilities$250 can distribute life-saving medical aid to those suffering from disease$50 can provide vital food packages to families suffering from starvation

PLEASE NOTE: Donations made to IRUSA’s Lebanon fund may serve urgent or long-term programs in Lebanon or for Lebanese refugees in other countries.

Stories from the Ground

Jaziah’s Family Needs to Escape the Cold

Meet Jaziah Abdelrahman, a 35-year-old woman who lives with her husband and family in a home exposed to cold and rain. As of today there are no doors or windows on her home, which allows all sorts of freezing cold to bombard them.
Jaziah’s originally from Reif Halab, where she and others worked as farmers ion land they owned. They sell their vegetables to shops and earned a living from the money made.

Then came the conflict, and her family was forced to flee into Lebanon hoping for safety. Although they escaped they now live in makeshift housing that is dangerous to stay in.

When asked about how hard it is to stay in their home Jaziah immediately points to the nonexistent doors and windows where she said that during winter it feels like being outside. “The owner of the building forbidden us from placing door or windows, it’s his right,” she added. “All we can do is putting some sheets that we lack but it’s better than nothing, we lack food, clothes and above all a warm place.” She said.

Jaziah’s 5 children range from 11 to 13 years. She lost one of her boys from a stroke, as all the children are working in a butcher shop from the morning till the evening, “they are not well paid, but they help the family with the expenses,” she said. Moreover, they owe a lot of money to the grocery store and sometimes they all eat from one can because of the food shortage.

Jaziah hoping for a warm place to save her family from sickness and cold weather. She hopes for her food, clothes, blankets, and above all she hopes to go back to their home where they belong.

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